Palma de Mallorca: Mediterranean elegance between the old town and the sea – sights & hidden gems

Contents:

• Palma’s neighbourhoods – a mosaic full of character – with insider tips 
• Palma de Mallorca Airport: A relaxed arrival
• Weather in Palma de Mallorca: sunshine almost guaranteed
• Sights in Palma de Mallorca: A feast for the senses
• Beaches in Palma – sun, sand and city charm
• Dining in Palma de Mallorca: Creative tapas & Mediterranean magic
• Accommodation in Palma – from city mansions to sea views
• Conclusion: Palma de Mallorca – Mediterranean magic that stays with you

Palma’s neighbourhoods – a mosaic brimming with character

• Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Behind massive city walls lies a labyrinth of cobbled streets, Moorish patios and magnificent palaces, where galleries, concept stores and cafés now form an elegant blend. Our insider tip: Just a few steps from Plaça d’Espanya, Rosevelvet combines minimalist New York flair with excellent speciality coffee and heavenly cheesecakes. Owner Rosita Planisi tempts visitors with sophisticated pastries, whilst Fran Caballero roasts the beans and brews the coffee to perfection – a quiet meeting place for design and coffee lovers.
• La Lonja: Gothic façades, ornate courtyards and candlelit tapas bars transform the neighbourhood into Palma’s most delightful living room come evening. Our insider tip: Kaplan Projects is a hidden gem and Palma’s most exciting stage for contemporary art: Within historic walls, boundary-pushing installations, mixed-media sculptures and video works by young talents come together with exhibition openings featuring live soundscapes and artist talks. A quick detour – yet an immersive glimpse into La Lonja’s vibrant creative scene.
• Santa Catalina: A market hall at the heart of the city, surrounded by boutiques, vintage shops and cocktail bars – this is where creative Palma buzzes to the rhythm of international cuisines. Our insider tip: the Mercat de Santa Catalina, which opened in 1920, forms the culinary heart of the neighbourhood: amongst stalls selling freshly caught fish, fruit, cheese and other island specialities, the atmosphere is predominantly local.
• El Terreno: Once a haunt for artists, now a stylish comeback kid – with bougainvillea-clad villas, galleries and boutique hotels, just a stone’s throw from the Paseo Marítimo. Our insider tip: Having only opened at the end of 2024, Can Pa has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite. Every day, the air here is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the finest pastries – all made exclusively from organic ingredients.
• Portixol–Molinar: Pastel-coloured fishermen’s cottages, the sound of the sea and a promenade that’s just as inviting for a jog as it is for a sundowner sangría. Our insider tip: The quay at Portixol–Molinar is the perfect spot for a relaxed picnic with a sea view. Whether you bring your own snacks, fresh pastries from the bakery or a bocadillo from the food stall – here you can enjoy the sunset in a simple and authentic way.
• Sa Gerreria: Street art, alternative bars and multicultural bistros create a vibrant contrast to the historic centre. Our top tip: Colourful, loud, charmingly different: the Flexas bar is a real institution in Sa Gerreria. Amidst retro furniture, flamboyant décor and quirky disco hits, artists, locals and night owls gather for a glass of homemade vermouth and creative pintxos. Authentic, unpretentious and full of character – a place that celebrates Palma’s wild side.

Palma de Mallorca Airport: A relaxed arrival

Just eight kilometres from the city centre, Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) welcomes its guests with Mediterranean serenity and modern facilities. You can reach the old town quickly via the EMT A1 bus, a 15-minute taxi ride or by hiring a car directly at the terminal. Four modern terminals, free Wi-Fi, lounges, shops and tapas bars make your arrival an experience in itself. Visitors from Switzerland can travel in particular comfort: easyJet, SWISS, Condor and Helvetic Airways offer regular direct flights to this sunny island.

Weather in Palma de Mallorca: sunshine almost guaranteed

The weather in Palma de Mallorca is a paradise for sun-worshippers. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months from June to August, temperatures usually rise to between 25 and 35 °C – ideal for days at the beach and exploring. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below 10 °C, meaning Palma remains an attractive destination even outside the peak season.

A tip: spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures and significantly fewer visitors.

Sights in Palma de Mallorca: A feast for the senses

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Palma de Mallorca, where history, art and picturesque scenery come together. The city is a treasure trove of highlights that are sure to delight you:

• La Seu Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece that towers majestically over the bay. The interior, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and the colourful rose windows are an absolute must-see.

• Palau de l’Almudaina: This royal palace, right next to the cathedral, tells stories of Mallorca’s Moorish and Christian past.

• Castell de Bellver: A unique circular castle offering panoramic views over Palma – perfect for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.

• Tren de Sóller: A nostalgic train journey on the historic wooden train from Palma to Sóller. The route winds through the Serra de Tramuntana and offers breathtaking views – an unforgettable adventure!

• Miró Mallorca Foundation: A paradise for art lovers. Here you can admire the works of the famous artist Joan Miró in his former studio, surrounded by inspiring gardens.

Beaches in Palma – sun, sand and city charm

Even without leaving the city, Palma offers fantastic spots for a swim right by the sea. Cala Major is particularly popular: a small, fine-sandy city beach to the west of the centre, framed by rocks and with turquoise-blue water – ideal for a quick break. To the east of the old town lies Playa de Palma, Palma’s longest beach with wide sandy shores, shallow waters and a lively promenade – perfect for families, sports enthusiasts and sun-seekers. Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere will find Playa Ciudad Jardín a relaxing alternative with local charm, shady palm trees and views of the bay. Palma’s beaches combine city life with the sea and relaxation – and all just a few minutes from the city centre. For many visitors, these beaches are attractions in their own right in Palma de Mallorca.

Our insider tip: for a relaxing drink with your feet in the sand, we recommend the Anima Beach Club Bar near the cathedral – stylish sun loungers, DJ music and a stunning view across the bay included.

Dining in Palma de Mallorca: Creative tapas & Mediterranean magic

Palma’s culinary scene is currently experiencing a real boom. Trendy beach clubs are putting cuisine centre stage, whilst restaurants cook with freshly harvested, seasonal ingredients – often straight from their own gardens. Here, the loving craftsmanship of traditional family recipes meets the creative trends of modern Mediterranean cuisine. Whether it’s hearty tapas or artfully arranged tasting menus – every course delights with its depth, aroma and authenticity. In short: in Palma, indulgence becomes a way of life – adding another sensory experience to the city’s classic sights. Every mouthful is worth the little indulgence.

Our restaurant recommendations:

• El Kamino – As soon as you step inside, the interior – designed by a local designer – captivates with its warm wooden tones and handcrafted tiles. The bar seats offer an unobstructed view of the open kitchen, where a dozen chefs create tapas like little works of art: surprising combinations of flavours, freshly prepared and unmistakably Mallorcan.
• Toque de Queda – Tucked away in a rustic vaulted cellar not far from the old town, this charming spot exudes the charm of a delicatessen with a living-room atmosphere. Served on wooden boards are fine cheeses, hand-sliced ham, homemade pâtés and creative tapas – authentic, hearty and always with a touch of vintage charm. A real insider’s tip for connoisseurs.
• De Tokio a Lima – Located within the Can Alomar boutique hotel, this elegant restaurant combines Japanese precision, Peruvian spice and Mediterranean lightness. Meals are served on a stylish terrace overlooking the Paseo del Borne – a perfect spot for fine dining beneath the palm trees, right in the heart of Palma.
• Sea Club – High above the Bay of Palma, this restaurant nestles against the cliffs of a former coastal fort – it is situated within the exclusive 5-star Hotel Cap Rocat. On the spacious terrace, freshly caught fish sizzles over the olive wood grill as the sun sinks into the sea. Here, unpretentious serenity blends with a luxurious ambience.
• Canela – New location, same charm: at Calle Apuntadors 11, the kitchen team transforms market-fresh ingredients into exquisite tapas right before your eyes. A stylish ambience, surprising flavours and warm service make every visit a moment of pure enjoyment. It’s well worth booking a table.

Accommodation in Palma – from city mansions to sea views

Palma de Mallorca offers a wide range of charming accommodation – from stylish boutique hotels in centuries-old city mansions to elegant design hotels overlooking the bay. Particularly in the old town, true gems are hidden behind historic façades: winding courtyards, rooftop terraces with pools and interiors that blend Mallorcan tradition with contemporary style.

Our hotel recommendations – style, charm and special moments

• Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden: A place that feels like it’s from another century – yet firmly rooted in the here and now: behind ancient stone walls lies one of Palma’s most atmospheric hideaways. Enchanting gardens, a rooftop pool overlooking the old town, elegant suites featuring velvet and wood, plus a spa in the old vaulted cellar – there’s hardly a more stylish way to experience tranquillity.
• El Llorenç Parc de la Mar – Adults Only (+16): Modern, luxurious and yet full of Mallorcan soul: this design hotel captivates with clean lines, artistic details and a spectacular infinity pool overlooking the cathedral and the sea. 
• Hotel Basilica: Charming, elegant and wonderfully relaxed: this boutique hotel opposite the Basilica of Sant Francesc combines Mallorcan architecture with understated luxury. Bright rooms, warm materials and a roof terrace with a pool create the perfect setting for a stylish city break – peaceful, central and personal.

Conclusion: Palma de Mallorca’s lesser-known sights – Mediterranean magic that lingers

Palma de Mallorca is not only the capital but also the heart of the island – vibrant, elegant and full of contrasts. Amidst Gothic architecture, modern art, culinary diversity and the proximity to the sea, a unique rhythm unfolds that invites you to stay.

Anyone who lets themselves be carried along through Palma’s neighbourhoods will soon realise that this city reveals its secrets bit by bit. You could spend weeks strolling through the narrow streets – and still keep discovering new, fascinating places that surprise, enchant or simply invite you to linger. Whether it’s a sunset at the harbour, tapas in Santa Catalina or quiet moments in enchanting courtyards – Palma moves you, inspires you and leaves a lasting impression. A destination for anyone seeking something special. Discover more sights and hidden gems in Mallorca in another exciting blog post.